VII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Appearance

  The fishmonger initially overcharges Lucius, but Pithias's intervention reveals the deception, highlighting the theme of hidden truths and false appearances.

• Folly and Wisdom

  Lucius's naivety in the market contrasts with Pithias's shrewdness, illustrating the folly of inexperience versus the wisdom of office.

Characters to notice

• Lucius

  The protagonist, who goes to the market to buy fish and meets his old friend Pithias.

• Pithias

  Lucius's old friend and fellow student at Athens, now serving as the clerk of the market.

• Milo

  Lucius's host, who invites him to a sparse supper and questions him about his travels.

• Fotis

  Milo's servant, who informs Lucius that Milo invites him to supper.

Key passages

• “I walked towards the baines ; but first I went to the market to buy some victuals for my supper, whereas I saw great plenty of fish set out to be sold: and so I cheapened part thereof, and that which they at first held at an hundred pence, I bought at length for twenty.”

  Lucius goes to the baths, but first stops at the market to buy food for his evening meal. He sees a large display of fish for sale, haggles over the price, and eventually buys some for twenty pence after the seller initially demanded a hundred.

  This shows Lucius's practical errand and his bargaining skill, though he is later shown to have been overcharged.

• “I bear the office of the clerk of the market, and therefore if you will have any pittance for your supper speak and I will purvey it for you.”

  Pithias tells Lucius that he holds the position of market clerk and offers to procure any food Lucius might need for his supper.

  Pithias reveals his official role, which gives him authority to intervene in the fish transaction.

• “Then he took my basket and cast the fish on the ground, and commanded one of his sergeants to tread them under his feet.”

  Pithias grabs Lucius's basket, throws the fish onto the ground, and orders one of his attendants to stomp on them.

  Pithias's dramatic act of destroying the fish serves as a punishment to the fishmonger and a display of his authority.

• “So scaped I at length from the prating and hungry supper of this rank old man, and being compelled by sleep and not by meat, and having supped only with talk, I returned into my chamber, and there betook me to my quiet and long desired rest.”

  Lucius finally escapes the talkative and meager supper with the stingy old man Milo, and, driven by sleep rather than food, having dined only on conversation, he goes to his room and enjoys the peaceful rest he had been longing for.

  This highlights Milo's miserliness and Lucius's exhaustion, emphasizing the contrast between physical hunger and the satisfaction of rest.